The last month has seen the launch of a new project, quite different to any thing undertaken before. We are installing a fire detection system throughout the complex. At this stage, the main workshop is a maze of cables, but order is being restored as they are clipped into their final position in the rafters. The nature of the work we undertake makes us vulnerable to fires, so having the building monitored will do a great deal toward protecting our hard work. This is being funded by the Caversham Trust.
The loose wheel on the Kerr Stuart has been rectified and the need to replace the axle eliminated thanks to some innovative thinking by Ferrum Engineering. The wheel dilemma has been an issue for some years, so it is good to have it resolved. The result of a supplementary funding application is keenly awaited as it is hoped to re-profile the tyres while the wheels are out of the locomotive. The work on aligning the axle boxes is now complete thanks to some innovative milling undertaken by Murray.
The long timber for the final side of the cattle wagon (T175) has been installed. The finished result looks quite impressive. Painting of the remaining floorboards is now under way. It has also been transferred on to different bogies while it's own set is being refurbished.
Interior of T175 - the new cladding is visible on the left hand side toward the end of the wagon.
The north end interior of box wagon K610 is now fully restored after months of intricate repairs to remedy the many and varied problems that the timberwork has attracted over the last 108 years. Despite the fire damage, borer attack and assorted battle scars, only two pieces of timber were replaced, one of which had been salvaged from elsewhere on the wagon.
Before - The interior of K610 prior to painting.
After - The interior of K610 at the completion of painting.
The annual survey on the boiler of steam locomotive A67 is complete and it has gained its operating certificate for the coming year. Considerable work has been undertaken to rectify steam leaks in the smokebox. This work, combined with the extensive work undertaken in recent years, should have the locomotive in good shape for the coming year.
Our rubber tyred 2 man trolley has also received some repair work to the motor and bodywork, and represented the society at a convention in Christchurch.
Further repair work has been undertaken on our track. A few more sleepers have been replaced and a portion of track reqauged. A reasonable amount of tamping has also been done although further work is planned. The track-crew has also helped out a private siding holder by providing urgent assistance to allow their siding to remain open. We've also been involved in dismantling a private siding to recover materials for our line. The hard ground and heavy waterlogged sleepers makes this a particularly challenging endeavor but good progress has been made.
Heat gunning of the old paint off the Katiki station ceiling is complete and erection of the waiting room seat is under way.
The special train service that we operated to coincide with the "Small Trains" model display was extremely popular. Our carriages were hauled by the Hunslett DSA. The sleeping hut and XP wagon were included in the consist on the Saturday, creating a few interesting photographic opportunities. This concludes the busiest winter for passenger trains in many years.